Mrvan Statement on Black History Month

Washington, DC- Today, Rep. Frank J. Mrvan Today, Congressman Frank J. Mrvan released his statement recognizing Black History Month.

A video of his remarks on the House floor is available here, and the text of the full statement is below.

"Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and sincere admiration that I rise to celebrate Black History Month and its 2026 theme - A Century of Black History Commemorations. This year marks a century of national commemorations of Black history.

"I would like to take this time to honor Retired Army Sergeant 1st Class Oscar Primm Jr., a 104-year-old veteran from Northwest Indiana whose service is an inspiration to all. Over the course of his heroic military career, Oscar served in three wars - World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. It is because of the sacrifices of veterans just like Oscar that we are able to live in a free, democratic country.

"Oscar grew up in Arkansas and moved to Gary, Indiana, to work in the steel mills. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1942 and remembers the church bells ringing in the street when World War II ended. In 1946, Oscar returned home to continue working in the steel mills and remained in the Army Reserve. He went to school to learn how to repair cars and opened his own body shop at the intersection of 25th Avenue and Broadway serving the local community in Gary. When Oscar was called to serve again in the Korean War and the Vietnam War, he put his new skills to work as the head mechanic for a trucking company responsible for repairing vehicles for the battlefield.

"In 1967, Oscar retired from the Army as a maintenance sergeant. He and his family briefly relocated to Chicago, where he drove a CTA bus for 14 years. Now, Oscar is a proud member of the Greater Gary AMVETS Squadron Post #6. He can frequently be found at the post playing dominoes, bringing veterans of all ages together, and supporting veterans throughout Northwest Indiana as they return home from service. In November, the Greater Gary AMVETS Squadron Post #6 recognized Oscar with the Lifetime American Hero Award to honor his achievements and military service.

"Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in celebrating Black History Month and a century of national Black History Commemorations by recognizing the selfless service, bravery, and patriotism of Retired Army Sergeant 1st Class Oscar Primm Jr."

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